ISLAMABAD, Sept 27: The ministry of tourism marked the World Tourism Day by holding an exhibition of photographs and essay competition among university and college students here on Thursday.

The event was held in collaboration with the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) at the Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU). Dr Arifa Sayeda Zehra, chairperson National Commission on Status of Women, was the chief guest on the occasion.

Global tourism day is celebrated on September 27 every year. This year the World Tourism Organisation, an agency of the United Nations, set the theme “tourism opens doors for women.” The aim was to highlight and encourage awareness, opportunities, and the roles of women in tourism as well as to enhance their education and capacity building.

The event opened with the display of beautiful photographs of breath taking images of Pakistan. From autumn in Hunza surrounded by towering snow covered sierras, and the frozen lake Saiful Maluk in Kaghan valley in the north to pastoral views of Charsada and Grand Bhong Mosque in Rahim Yar Khan, the show included dozens of coloured pictures of some of the most fascinating corners of Pakistan highlighting tourist destinations, culture and traditions.

A prize distribution ceremony for the most outstanding photographs taken by students and for the best essay on the given topic followed.

Best photographers, in the amateur category, were Sana Anis who won first prize and AK Fauzi, second. In the professional category, Yasir Nisar won the first place and Aftab Rana won second position.

For the best essay on “tourism opens doors for women,” Samia Asif came first and Khaliqur Rehman’s essay was declared the second best.

“In this age of tourism, women have a great role to play in promoting the soft image of Pakistan. Their contributions are vital and have an equal share in progress of the country,” Secretary Ministry of Tourism Shehzad Qaisar said while speaking on the occasion.

The ministry of tourism was committed to show the path that would lead to the doors of opportunity for women, he said.

In her remarks, Dr Arfa said: “Women are not a fragile gender. Give them a chance and let them unfold the promises of life. Let their economic potential and their shares in the GDP can be recognised.”